Jabal Abu Qubais (Arabic: جبل أبو قُبَيْس), also spelled Jabal Abu Qubays, is a sacred mountain adjacent to Masjid al-Haram in the holy city of Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Rising 420 metres above sea level, it faces the Holy Kaaba and offers pilgrims a panoramic view of Al-Haram. This mountain is called Abu Qubais because a man named Qubais once lived there and was the first to build a home on the great mountain, giving rise to the name Abu Qubais. It is also believed to be the first-ever mountain to be created by Allah, making it a foundational site in the history of Islam.
Mountain of Abu Qubais in Islamic History
The mountain of Abu Qubais holds deep importance in Islamic tradition. Known as the first mountain that Allah created, it became the stage for miraculous events in the Islamic history. It is the mountain that the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stood upon when he pointed to the moon, and by the will of Allah, the moon split into two halves before the disbelievers of Makkah, a miracle of Prophet Muhammad witnessed from the top of this mountain. This event, known as the miracle of splitting the moon, is one of the most remarkable moments in Islamic history.
The mountain is also connected with Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Adam (AS). It is believed that the Black Stone (Hajar al-Aswad) was safeguarded within Abu Qubais before being placed in the Kaaba. Its sacred role reflects the mountain’s spiritual importance for humankind to submit to Allah. Historical references also state that Abdullah bin Zubair respected the mountain during his time.
Architectural & Historical Importance
Over centuries, rocks from Mount Abu Qubais were used for the Kaaba’s construction. A small mosque, known as Masjid e Bilal, once stood on this mountain, where it is said that Bilal ibn Rabah (RA) recited the Adhan from atop Jabal Abu Qubais, further linking it with early Islamic worship. The mountain had a small mosque and became associated with deep Islamic heritage.
During the Umayyad era, the Umayyad governor Hajjaj bin Yusuf launched a catapult from the top of Jabal Abu Qubais in 691 CE during the siege of Makkah, which led to the martyrdom of Abdullah bin Zubair (RA). This event marked a turning point in the history of Islam. Later, the palace of the Saudi king was built on Mount Abu Qubais, showing its continued significance, and today the ongoing expansion of Masjid al-Haram includes areas near this sacred mountain.
Importance of Jabal Abu Qubais
Theimportance of Jabal Abu Qubais in Islam cannot be overstated. It is mentioned in numerous references in Islamic history as the first mountain to be created and as the site where the Prophet ﷺ performed miracles. The western wall of Mountain Abu Qubais, facing the Kaaba, stands as a reminder of its sacred role. Abu Qubais is also known as Al-Amin, meaning trustworthy, because it safeguarded the Black Stone. The mountain is symbolic of miraculous events, from splitting the moon into two halves to the preservation of the Hajar, marking its place in Islamic heritage.
Visiting Mount Abu Qubais Today
For pilgrims performing Hajj and Umrah, the mountain remains a point of reflection. Located near Jabal Abu and directly across from the Holy Kaaba, it allows visitors to connect with the miracle of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the legacy of the prophets. Standing atop Jabal Abu Qubais offers a chance to imagine the moment when the Prophet pointed to the moon and split it into half before the eyes of the disbelievers of Makkah. Today, visitors also observe the palace of the Saudi king built on the mountain, as well as its proximity to the sacred sanctuary.
Conclusion – Wall of Mount Abu Qubais
In conclusion, Mount Abu Qubais is one of the most significant landmarks in the Islamic history. It is the first mountain created by Allah, known for safeguarding the Hajar, witnessing the miracle of splitting the moon, and being tied to the lives of Prophet Adam, Prophet Ibrahim, and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. From the western wall of Mount Abu Qubais that faces the Holy Kaaba, to its role in the siege of Makkah in 691 CE, the mountain stands as a testimony to faith, resilience, and miraculous events. Visiting this mountain during Hajj or Umrah allows believers to reflect on its profound history and its call for humankind to submit to Allah.
